The Case for a Fair U.S. Immigration Policy

I’d like to share with you a column I wroteabout our duty, as Americans and as people of faith, to welcome the stranger:

One of the most vivid memories of my childhood was the arrival of four religious sisters — nuns — from Ireland, who were coming to my hometown of Ballwin, Missouri to begin teaching in the brand-new grammar school of Holy Infant parish.

I was only 7 years old, but I will never forget the extraordinary lengths our entire community went to in order to make these newcomers, these strangers, these immigrants, feel welcome and at home.

That imperative to welcome the stranger, and to treat them with respect, is fundamental to the ideals upon which our country was founded.

The Statue of Liberty is more than a tourist attraction. It is an affirmation of who we are as a nation, a solemn reminder of what has always made our country great: the willingness to open our nation’s doors to those seeking a better life, a chance to participate in the American Dream.